What can be done about this back strap wear on my 329PD?

[Davidnssbm]

Yes it's a woods gun, no it doesn't really bother me and isn't that important, and yes I'm bored so I wanna try to fix it if possible.

I've got some birchwood Permablue that I've never used, but the finish isn't blued on the 329PD... In fact, no clue what the finish is.

Anyways, please see attached image. See that little horizontal line on the back strap?

 

[HarrishMasher]

If you want it done correctly, you need to send it back to S&W to have it refinished. It is a proprietary finish and they would have to refinish the whole gun and redo all the factory markings in white. No one else is going to do all of that. The refinish is very reasonably priced from S&W as well.

You can also simply get grips that cover the backstrap. But I personally have never found a pair I like, especially because I only use wood grips on all my revolvers. Mostly Ahrends and Altamont.

Since it is a woods gun, I would just leave it as is and let it show its true character. Be proud of the wear from carry. Rust is another story.

 

[Davidnssbm]

Doesn't sound worth it to send it in. The gun is just in great shape despite me hunting 5 seasons with it and falling and crawling around. I would rate it 90-95% No biggie.

 

[Pizza Bob]

Order a pair of the X-frame grips from Smith. While they don't specify that they fit the RB N-frame, they do and the web of your hand will thank you for switching - also solves your finish problem.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Davidnssbm]

not a bad idea. does anyone know what would happen if I use the blue pen on this finish?

 

[Paul105]

A little different perspective. Who cares?? These are working pieces, and if used as intended will show ware. Some of the most attractive guns I've seen are the ones that show good, honest ware (not abuse).

Here's one of my 329s. Picture from a while back. Looked at it the other day and it shows a lot more ware marks.

No offense intended, but these are not pre M29 blue steel range pieces.

If it really bother you, try the S&W 500 grips recommended above.

It's all good.

Paul

 

[okiegtrider]

Give it a shot. Show us how it turns out.

Like you said, it's a working gun and the blemish doesn't bother you. What's to lose?

 

[Abflyboy]

Sharpie marker

 

[Fchewy]

You could put a strip of grip tape rubber or sandpaper on it, i have seen it done and it don't look bad.

 

[murphydog]

It is a scandium alloy frame (primarily aluminum with a touch of Sc thrown in), so the frame is anodized. I suspect anything you can find in a gun shop that you can apply to the mark will not stick, but no harm in trying.

Agree on the X frame stocks. If "it's a woods gun, no it doesn't really bother me and isn't that important", you can also just cover it with your hand while shooting it .

 

[shottist]

Birchwood Casey "Aluma Black"?

 

[M29since14]

There's not much you can do that will last. If it were mine I would probably be installing the 500 grips anyway so it just wouldn't be much of a factor. Might give them a try. They will make the gun feel different but it is something you can get used to.

 

[ridgewalker]

Just to add more choices into the mix, I personally put Pachmayr Decelerators on some of my N Frames. If you don't like Decelerators, the Grippers or Presentation Grips cover the backstrap too.
I tried the X frame grips in the past and didn't like the hand position. Might be time for me to try again though.

 

[M29since14]

I agree. It does seem a bit Luger-ish. Something you have to give yourself a chance to adapt to. It still feels strange to me when I first pick up the gun.

 

[F224]

I had my local gunsmith CeraKoat my S&W 337, still looks like they just did it three years later. That's with daily pocket carry and about 150 rounds a year through it.

 

[JustDan]

It's an alloy - nonferrous - you can't blue it. But then again I never yet had anything made by Birchwood Casey that does as advertised - I use Blu-Wonder on ferrous - and used my chemistry to touch up brass and silver solder - doubt that I'd even try it on scandium though - the ceracote idea sounds the best to me - thanks for the idea - will try that on my beater 329PD